Dual-Panel Vehicle Trunk Mechanism for Flexible Cargo Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanisms for motor vehicle trunks often face issues such as cargo not fitting due to volume constraints, requiring cumbersome solutions like protrusions and powerful cylinders for loading and unloading, and lack versatility in handling.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism featuring two interlocking openings that can rotate independently around parallel axes, with locking and sealing devices, allowing for flexible access and secure closure, enabling easier loading and unloading of cargo without the need for extensive manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single large trunk opening is used, then cargo access is improved, but the trunk requires powerful jacks and a lot of space around the vehicle to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo accessVSAvoidpowerful jacks and space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trunk opening is divided into two separate panels (first opening panel and second opening panel) that can be operated independently. This segmentation allows the trunk to be accessed without requiring a single large opening, thereby eliminating the need for powerful jacks and extensive space around the vehicle while maintaining easy cargo access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a single large trunk opening is used, then cargo loading is improved, but the trunk requires a lot of space around the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo loading efficiencyVSAvoidspace around trunk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trunk opening is segmented into two independent panels that can be opened separately. This allows cargo to be loaded efficiently through the available opening space without requiring the vehicle to have extensive clearance around the trunk, thereby improving productivity while reducing the required stationary area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If cargo protrudes from the trunk, then cargo volume is increased, but the cargo must be secured with straps requiring several steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo volumeVSAvoidcargo securing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trunk opening is divided into two independently operable panels. This allows the first panel to be opened while the second panel remains closed, enabling cargo to protrude from the trunk without requiring complex securing operations. The segmented design simplifies the cargo handling process by allowing selective access to different portions of the trunk space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3678879B1Mechanism for a motor vehicle trunk with two opening panels
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 RENAULT SA
  • EP3678879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3678879B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3678879B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Mechanism for a motor vehicle trunk, the mechanism comprising a trunk structure, an opening provided in the trunk structure, a first opening panel which is movable with respect to the trunk structure and a second opening panel which is movable with respect to the trunk structure, the first opening panel and the second opening panel being capable of jointly closing the opening. The first opening panel is movable regardless of the position of the second opening panel. The second opening panel is movable regardless of the position of the first opening panel. One among the first and second opening panels comprises a seal and the other among the first and second opening panels comprises a bearing surface for the seal, the seal being in contact with the bearing surface when the first opening panel and the second opening panel are in a closed position.